Roads Service reports on schemes in Cookstown area

Transport Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the successful completion of Roads Service's 2009/2010 programme of works and the planned £1.6 million for structural road maintenance in the Cookstown area, this year.

Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Cookstown District Council, the Minister said: “This week, I announced the preferred route for the A29 Cookstown Bypass. The full details of the route will be disclosed at a Public Exhibition Day scheduled for Thursday 10 June 2010 at the South West College, Cookstown. This will provide an opportunity for all interested parties to come along, view and comment on the proposals.

"The A29 Carland Bridge realignment scheme, just outside the Council area, is making good progress on the ground with opening of the complete new carriageway expected before the end of this calendar year."

The Minister also commented on the major schemes in the Council area. He said: “I welcome the completion of the 14.6 kms of resurfacing, the most significant schemes being the B73 Coagh Road and B161 Dumenny Road, Ballinderry.”

Other schemes which were carried out in the year include the provision of a new footbridge at Ballinderry, a forward sightline improvement on the B160 Sherrigrim Road near the Blacktown Road junction, replacement of Drumeen Bridge near Moneymore and traffic calming at Northland Road and Drive in Moneymore.

Speaking at the meeting, Divisional Roads Manager, Pat Doherty welcomed the continued investment in road maintenance, which is helping to rectify the damage caused by the severe conditions last winter. He said that a major trunk road resurfacing scheme to be carried out this year will be 1.2 kms of the A505 Drum Road from Rectory Road to Wellbrook Road.

“I welcome the completion of the pelican crossing on the Morgans Hill Road, Cookstown, and the Safer Routes to Schools schemes at St Mary’s Primary School Dunnamore and Orritor Primary School."

Roads Service also presented the Council with a programme for local transport and safety measures, which is currently being developed for the area. These projects, which include Princess Avenue/ Milburn, Gortalowry Park and Coolnafranky Park areas of Cookstown will be delivered as resources permit.

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